Research on Moderate-Resolution Earth Observation Data at AIST

Abstract

To provide user-friendly, free, and open moderate-resolution earth observation data, namely, Landsat-8 data, a new graphical user interface (GUI), LandBrowser, which disseminates data using Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards, such as Web Coverage Service (WCS) and Web Map Service (WMS), was launched on December 4, 2014. LandBrowser is used to search and save images. It does not require previous knowledge of image processing, image sensors, date of observation, or geography, and can share information interactively. Statistics, such as the number of downloaded image data, are introduced. To improve position accuracy, Ground Control Points (GCPs) are measured and compared with obtained data. Position accuracy is indispensable to change detection. GCPs were selected in Tsukuba, Hokkaido, and Tohoku areas. Most of the errors were within one pixel. As an example of high-level data application, another GUI called Hotarea, which detects hot spot activities, such as volcanoes, forest fires, and factories, was created. Facebook and Twitter were used to introduce events and activities, methods of use of our disseminated images, and interesting images of the day or related topics. Facebook articles were updated daily. Our future plan to improve user interfaces, which will treat UNIFORM-1 data and CIRC data of Daichi-2, is introduced.